it is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.

Posts tagged ‘global issues’

International forums such as the World Pride Human Rights Conference (WPHRC) and International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) delve into issues of interest and concern to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) people on a global scale.[1],[2] We have not seen this sort of consideration in the context of library and information studies. For example, until recently, no substantial discussions of issues related to library services for LGBTQ community members had taken place within the International Federation of Library Associations and Organizations (IFLA) Conference’s 80 year history. The 2014 launch of the IFLA LGBTQ Users Special Interest Group (SIG) represents a turning point in this story. Within this anthology, Queer Library Alliance: Global Reflections and Imaginings, we aim to extend this narrative and explore these matters more fully.[3]

Library user groups should not be overlooked. As a population that is often the subject of discrimination and harassment, LGBTQ people benefit from the access to information and the sense of community library programs foster. Librarians have a professional obligation to ensure that all library users have free and equal access to a wide range of library services, materials, and programs – regardless of sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, etc. Some information organizations embrace this commitment and some collections emphasize LGBTQ materials – and we can and should learn from these examples, but there are many gaps in our practice and understanding.[4]

This edited collection, to be published by Library Juice Press in late 2015, serves as a point of departure to enhance queer understanding. We invite submissions based on topics of contemporary importance to librarians serving LGBTQ users around the world, such as: professional attitudes, library as safe and welcoming space, challenges to providing services and innovative programming, effective practice in acquiring, collecting, and preserving materials including literature, academic works, and texts of interest to LGBTQ youth and families, intersections, outreach, and partnerships with community organizations.

The anthology will be organized into thematic sections around these topics and others that emerge from submissions. It will offer insights into the current climate and trends. Diverse geographic perspectives will inform critical understanding and professional practice – and encourage further imagining.

The target audience for this foundational text includes all types of librarians, archivists, curators, library educators, and other community members interested in considering library and information services for LGBTQ people.

Submission Guidelines:

Please submit abstracts up to 500 words to queerlibraryalliance@gmail.com by January 15, 2015. Notifications will be sent by March 1 and manuscripts from 4000-6000 words will be due by June 15, 2015.